Things to do in Hersonissos

Whatever you want from your holiday, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Hersonissos. The town is a fabulous fusion of ancient and modern, with plenty of opportunity for adventure and exploring for those who want to dip their toes in the region’s past. Alternatively, you can simply chill out on a beach or enjoy some fun days out with the family. You’ll find excellent places to eat, some superb bars from which to watch the sun set, and some of the best nightlife to be found on the island. In Hersonissos Crete, things to do come in all shapes and sizes!

Out and about with the kids

If you’re travelling with children, you’ll find plenty of Hersonissos things to do that’ll appeal to younger visitors of all ages. Once the novelty of sunbathing has worn off and the kids are starting to get restless, a visit to the Acqua Plus Waterpark should keep them busy. The biggest waterpark in Crete, it offers no less than 10 ‘extreme slides’. With names such as the Tsunami, the Kamikaze, and two massive black holes, you can expect watery white-knuckle rides that’ll bump your pulse up a notch or two!

For younger children and their frazzled parents, there’s a series of more relaxed rides and slides, such as the Lazy River and Octopus Waterslides. Grown-ups can relax in the hydromassage pool and watch their children on the inflatable castle or enjoying a bout of table tennis.

Similarly, the Star Beach Waterpark offers a range of activities for kids of all ages. If you’ve got any adrenaline-seeking teens in your group, you can challenge their nerves with banana-boating or a host of other thrilling options. For little ones, there’s a dedicated kids’ pool and a variety of child-friendly rides, such as slippery slides and fun-filled water fountains.

Have a blast in the past

In Hersonissos Crete things to do don’t have to be all thrills, spills and cutting-edge technology: the island is awash with important historical sites that are well worth visiting. The Cave of Zeus is, according to legend, the cave in which the king of the gods was hidden from his father, Cronus, after he was born. As you might expect from a place that was used to hide Zeus, it’s a little off the beaten track.

The first stage of the journey is the easy bit: hop in a taxi or onto a bus and drive to Psychro, which is about an hour away. Once you arrive, the work begins: there are two paths leading up to the cave, which is about 1,000 feet above sea level, so don’t forget to pack some water and comfortable shoes. However, once you’re up there, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Inside the cave, you’ll find a labyrinth of chambers, stunning stalactites and stalagmites and colonies of bats fluttering overhead; wonderfully atmospheric! If you’re wondering what to do afterwards, there’s a nearby beach where you can enjoy a drink.

For something that has less to do with myth and more to do with historical fact, head to the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum. Set by the sea, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Cretan culture, throughout the ages. Expect everything from works of art and reconstructed houses, to farming equipment and an olive press. If you’re visiting in September and can’t decide what to do, you’ll find the museum even hosts wine-tasting evenings and traditional Greek dancing nights!